High performance cooling system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an external cooling system for a molten film tube produced by a blown film tubular extrusion process, comprised of one or more enclosures with one or more respective cavities that directly receive a portion of cooling gas emanating from one or more associated cooling elements. Each enclosure includes a port containing a variable exhaust device and optional flow buffer, acting to maintain a pressure differential between the cavity and an adjacent inside volume of the molten film tube, adjustable to optimize molten film tube stability cooling element efficiency and spaced apart dimension between cooling elements. Additionally, at least one cooling element is provided, comprised of a divergent cooling element with a divergent cooling interface containing a cooling gas deflector spaced adjacent to the molten film tube and providing an expelled cooling gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for cooling.The present disclosure relates more particularly to a method andapparatus for high performance cooling.

Description of Related Art

Various methods to manufacture thermoplastic blown films are well knownin the plastics art, and typically involve forming a continuous,vertically oriented, seamless, annular plastic film commonly referred toas the “tube” or “bubble”. Thermoplastic material is melted and pumpedby an extruder through a blown film die (die), exiting as an annularflow of a molten film, continuously drawn upward by a pair of drivensqueeze rollers. Gas is typically manually injected through the die tothe interior of the exiting annular flow of molten film. The drivensqueeze rollers act to prevent gas from escaping, trapping the injectedgas inside, forming a molten film tube which is inflated by the injectedgas until at the desired size and the die is sealed off to preventinflation gas from escaping. The molten film tube is pulled upward bythe driven squeeze rollers, flowing generally upward from the diethrough a cooling system, where it stretches, expands, and cools aroundthe now trapped column of injected gas until it solidifies at a frostline into a solidified film tube. The solidified film tube passesthrough various stabilizers and enters a flattening device, whichconverts the tube into a flattened double thickness thermoplastic sheetof film known as “lay-flat”. The lay-flat passes through the drivensqueeze rollers, and is conveyed to downstream converting equipment suchas winders and bag making machines for further processing.

To remain competitive, manufacturers of blown film must maximizethroughput rate and quality, however cooling system performance is asignificant limiting factor. The weight of thermoplastic that isextruded per unit time divided by the circumference of the die exit,provides a commonly used measure of throughput performance, and isexpressed in units of PPH/Inch, Pounds Per Hour per Inch of die exitcircumference. Many different cooling systems have been developed andemployed, both external and internal to the tube, and to varying degreesthese systems have achieved commercial success.

Blown film cooling systems provide a flow of cooling gas typicallyexternal, but in many cases also internal to the molten film tube.Cooling systems are designed using well known Bernoulli and Coand{hacekover (a)} principles, and in many cases, apply the cooling gas to flowgenerally along the surface of the molten film tube to create holdingforces on the molten film tube, providing for both stability and coolingof the molten film tube. Excessive holding forces, if present, can causevibration, flutter, and high noise levels in the process, and can pullthe molten film tube into undesirable contact with the cooling element,creating drag and causing marks and instability in the molten film tube.In other cases, cooling gas is instead applied generally against thesurface of the molten film tube, typically creating turbulent coolingwith repelling forces, requiring a separate means to stabilize themolten film tube.

External cooling systems, generally provide the primary means forstabilization and cooling of the molten film tube, are generally easy tooperate and used on most blown film extrusion processes. Externalcooling systems provide a flow of cooling gas along the outside surfaceof the molten film tube that typically generates holding forces whilecooling the molten film tube, until the cooling gas dissipates into thesurrounding atmosphere. Less typically, cooling gas is aimed generallyinward generating repelling forces while cooling the molten film tube,undesirably requiring a separate means to hold and stabilize the moltenfilm tube.

Present art external cooling systems are made up of various types ofcooling elements. The earliest cooling element, known as a “Single Flowair ring”, still in common use today, applies a single flow of coolinggas around the molten film tube. Single Flow cooling elements typicallyproduce good film quality, but at lower throughput rates. Additionalflows of cooling gas have been added to cooling elements over time tocreate various multiple flow designs, such as “Dual Flow”, “Triple Flow”or “Quad Flow” designs, and some external cooling systems pair coolingelements into various configurations, depending on the application, toform what is generically known as a “Tandem” air ring. External coolingsystems are typically fixed in place, but can be made adjustable inheight above the die to allow extending the cooled surface area alongthe molten film tube, producing higher throughput, but also resulting ingreater unsupported surface area between the cooling element and die,which is the hottest and weakest portion of the molten film tube, whichcan lead to degraded stability, making it more difficult to operate andpotentially leading to a narrower range of film sizes.

In contrast, internal cooling systems typically do not provide primarystabilization, and are selectively used typically to generate additionalthroughput beyond the capability of an external cooling system. Internalcooling systems replace manual gas injection and inflate the molten filmtube with a flow of an internal supply gas that enters through the die.Although some recent high throughput internal cooling systems applycooling gas to create holding forces, more typically cooling gas isdirected against the inside surface of the molten film tube, acting togenerally repel and cool the inside surface of the molten film tube. Theflow of internal supply gas is trapped inside the bubble and cannotdissipate into the atmosphere, therefore complex control systems areused to balance a flow of internal exhaust gas that exits through thedie to maintain a constant bubble size as is well known and understoodby those skilled in the art. Internal cooling systems can be difficultor even impossible to use depending on such factors as operator skill,thermoplastic material properties, and the physical size and design ofthe associated die.

It is highly desired to overcome the drawbacks of prior artthermoplastic cooling systems and provide a cooling system thatsignificantly increases throughput rate, maximizes aerodynamic holdingforces, allows relatively large unsupported regions of the molten tubewith good stability, produces a wide range of film sizes, prevents dragon the molten film surface, minimizes turbulence, vibration and flutter,does not produce high sound power levels, and is simple and easy tocontrol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure toprovide a method and apparatus for cooling.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents anapparatus for cooling. The apparatus includes a blown film die operablefor producing a flow of a molten film tube and at least one coolingelement for receiving the flow of the molten film tube, the at least onecooling element including a divergent cooling element having a divergentcooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a pathopposing the flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and(ii) in a path with the flow of the molten film tube toward a secondexit gap. The apparatus further including at least one enclosureincluding a cavity operable for receiving at least a portion of thecooling gas from the at least one cooling element to substantiallymaintain a predetermined pressure differential between an inside surfaceand an outside surface of the flow of the molten film tube.

A second exemplary embodiment includes wherein at least one of the firstexit gap and the second exit gap defines a minimum gap between thedivergent cooling interface and the flow of the molten film tube.

A third exemplary embodiment includes wherein the at least one coolingelement is stackable.

A fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein the at least one enclosureincludes a port maintaining a variable exhaust device operable forexpelling at least a portion of the cooling gas from the cavity throughthe port to a surrounding atmosphere to maintain the predeterminedpressure differential.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents a methodfor cooling. The method includes providing a flow of a molten film tubefrom a blown film die. The method further includes cooling the flow ofthe molten film tube by at least one cooling element, the at least onecooling element comprising a divergent cooling element having adivergent cooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) ina path opposing the flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gapand (ii) in a path with the flow of the molten film tube toward a secondexit gap, wherein at least a portion of the expelled cooling gas isreceived by at least one enclosure comprising a cavity operable tomaintain a predetermined pressure differential between an inside surfaceand an outside surface of the flow of the molten film tube.

A sixth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents anapparatus for cooling. The apparatus includes a blown film die operablefor producing a flow of a molten film tube, and a first cooling elementfor receiving the flow of the molten film tube, the first coolingelement comprising a divergent cooling element having a divergentcooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a pathopposing the flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and(ii) in a path with the flow of the molten film tube toward a secondexit gap. The apparatus further includes a second cooling element forreceiving the flow of the molten film tube, the second cooling elementcomprising a divergent cooling element having a divergent coolinginterface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposingthe flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and (ii) in apath with the flow of the molten film tube toward a second exit gap,wherein the second cooling element is operably stacked adjacent thefirst cooling element. The apparatus still further includes a firststabilizer ring operably stacked adjacent the first cooling elementbetween the first and the second cooling elements, and a secondstabilizer ring operably stacked adjacent the second cooling elementbetween the first stabilizer ring and the second cooling element.

A seventh exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents amethod for cooling. The method includes providing a flow of a moltenfilm tube from a blown film die, and cooling the flow of the molten filmtube by a first cooling element and a spaced apart second coolingelement, the first cooling element and the second cooling element eachcomprising a divergent cooling element having a divergent coolinginterface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposingthe flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and (ii) in apath with the flow of the molten film tube toward a second exit gap. Themethod further includes receiving the flow of the molten film tube by afirst stabilizer ring and a second stabilizer ring, the first stabilizerring and the second stabilizer ring each operably stacked between thefirst cooling element and the second cooling element.

An eighth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents anapparatus for cooling. The apparatus includes a blown film die operablefor producing a flow of a molten film tube, and a first cooling elementfor receiving the flow of the molten film tube, the first coolingelement having a cooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gasin a path with the flow of the molten film tube. The apparatus furtherincludes a second cooling element for receiving the flow of the moltenfilm tube, the second cooling element having a cooling interfaceoperable for expelling a cooling gas at least in a path opposing theflow of the molten film tube toward the first cooling element, and afirst stabilizer ring operably stacked adjacent the first coolingelement between the first and the second cooling elements. The apparatusstill further includes a second stabilizer ring operably stackedadjacent the second cooling element between the first stabilizer ringand the second cooling element.

A ninth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure presents anapparatus for cooling. The apparatus includes a blown film die operablefor producing a flow of a molten film tube, and a unidirectional coolingelement for receiving the flow of the molten film tube, theunidirectional cooling element having a unidirectional cooling interfaceoperable for expelling a cooling gas in a path with the flow of themolten film tube toward a first exit gap. The apparatus further includesa divergent cooling element for receiving the flow of the molten filmtube operably stacked adjacent the unidirectional cooling element, thedivergent cooling element having a divergent cooling interface operablefor expelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposing the flow of themolten film tube toward a second exit gap and (ii) in a path with theflow of the molten film tube toward a third exit gap. The expelledcooling gas from the second cooling element in a path opposing the flowof the molten film tube directed toward the first cooling element, and afirst stabilizer ring operably stacked adjacent the first coolingelement between the first and the second cooling elements.

A tenth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a methodof cooling. The method includes providing a flow of a molten film tubefrom a blown film die, and cooling the flow of the molten film tube by aunidirectional cooling element and a spaced apart divergent coolingelement, the unidirectional cooling element having a unidirectionalcooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas in a path withthe flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap, the divergentcooling element having a divergent cooling interface operable forexpelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposing the flow of the moltenfilm tube toward a second exit gap and (ii) in a path with the flow ofthe molten film tube toward a third exit gap

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention, but itshould be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to thedescribed embodiments and various modifications of the invention arepossible without departing from the basic principles. The scope of thepresent disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a device suitable for use inpracticing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a close-up cross sectional view of an exemplary coolingelement suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a close-up cross sectional view of an alternative exemplarycooling element suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternative device suitable foruse in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of an exemplary flow buffer suitable for usein practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of yet another device suitable for usein practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatusfor performing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a close-up cross sectional view of the inner portion of onehalf of a pair of cooling elements suitable for use in practicingalternate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a device suitable for use inpracticing alternate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a logic flow diagram in accordance with a method andapparatus for performing alternate exemplary embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of yet another device suitable for usein practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a close-up cross sectional view of one half of a devicesuitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a close-up cross sectional view of one half of anotherembodiment of a device suitable for use in practicing alternateexemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a highperformance cooling system for the blown film tubular extrusion processproviding increased throughput rate at high quality. Embodiments of thehigh performance cooling system optionally include one or moreenclosures or controlled pressure enclosures, creating a gas volumecavity (cavity) around the molten film tube that is isolated from thesurrounding atmosphere. The cavity directly receives at least a portionof cooling gas that emanates, generally along the outside surface of themolten film tube, from one or more associated cooling elements. Theextents of the cavity are formed by the combination of enclosure walls,the portion of the cooling elements in contact with the cavity (alsoreferred to as the cooling element cavity portion), and the portion ofthe molten film tube in contact with the cavity (also referred to as themolten film cavity portion).

Each enclosure incorporates a variable exhaust device that adjustablytransfers gas through a port in the enclosure, from the associatedcavity to the surrounding atmosphere, allowing for pressure adjustmentrelative to the surrounding atmosphere of the cavity within eachenclosure. A substantially constant internal tube pressure, usually muchless than 1″ H2O (relative to the surrounding atmosphere), is generatedas the molten film tube stretches and forms around the trapped internalgas volume contained within the molten film tube. Resulting cavitypressure acts directly on the outside surface of the molten film cavityportion, and internal tube pressure acts directly on the inside surfaceof the molten film cavity portion, to create a predetermined pressuredifferential across the molten film cavity portion. The predeterminedpressure differential is adjusted to maximize the stability of themolten film cavity portion and the cooling efficiency of the coolingelement cavity portion, to provide higher throughput rate, and betterfilm quality.

The variable exhaust device preferably would be a fan means, chosen withoperating characteristics adjustable to prevent creating a predeterminedpressure differential large enough to stretch the flow of the moltenfilm tube and thus the molten film cavity portion in between the coolingelements and hang up on associated cooling elements, causing aninterruption in the flow of the molten film tube. Typical fan designshave well defined and wide range of operating characteristics, publishedas “fan curves”, easily chosen by those skilled in the art. To simplifyadjustment of predetermined pressure differential, allow for a broaderselection of variable exhaust device, and further prevent hang ups, anoptional flow buffer can be added to each enclosure to allow gas toexchange between the cavity and the surrounding atmosphere. The simplestform of a flow buffer is a passage through the wall of the enclosurefluidly connecting the cavity to the surrounding atmosphere. As gas flowthrough the variable exhaust device is adjusted relative to the coolinggas cavity portion, a flow of gas through the passage occurs. The flowof gas through the passage creates an associated passage pressure droprelative to surrounding atmospheric pressure, which establishes cavitypressure to create the desired predetermined pressure differential. Thevariable exhaust device and passage are sized to generate the desiredrange of predetermined pressure differential, over the expected range ofcooling gas flow, acting together to form a fast acting cavity pressureregulator.

Advantageously, a freely swinging flapper hangs by gravity generallyinside the flow buffer passage. When cavity pressure equals atmosphericpressure, no gas flows through the passage, and the flapper hangsstraight down creating a maximum obstruction in the passage. Aspredetermined pressure differential adjustments are made, gas flowthrough the passage changes, causing a variable deflection of theflapper which variably obstructs the passage in the direction the flowof gas through the passage. The position of the flapper provides an easyto interpret, visual indication of direction and quantity of the flow ofgas through the passage.

Pressure regulating characteristics of the flow buffer can easily be setby giving the flapper a predetermined weight and geometry. The geometryof the passage can also take many forms (i.e. shapes) to achieve verysmooth, fast acting pressure regulation, easily adjusted by the variableexhaust device. Embodiments of the flow buffer include more complexdesigns provided they allow for variable gas exchange with associateddefined pressure drop between the cavity and the surrounding atmosphere.

Also provided, are one or more cooling elements, capable of beingstacked to achieve higher throughput, wherein at least one of the one ormore cooling elements is a divergent cooling element incorporating acooling gas deflector and a pair of opposed cooling members havingrespective opposed air foil surfaces (surfaces). The surfaces andcooling gas deflector form a divergent cooling interface that directscooling gas to flow in opposite directions, creating suction forces.These suction forces stabilize and hold the molten film tube (melt) incooling proximity with the divergent cooling element. Oppositelydirected cooling gas flows are expelled between the divergent coolinginterface and the melt (i) in a path opposing the flow of the moltenfilm tube along a first surface toward a first air foil exit tip to forma first exit gap with the melt and (ii) in a path with the flow of themolten film tube along a second surface toward a second air foil exittip to form a second exit gap with the melt.

The divergent cooling interface includes air foil exit tips that areangled inward toward the surface of the molten film tube, and extendcloser to the molten film tube than any other portion of the divergentcooling element. All portions of the divergent cooling interface arerecessed within the air foil exit tips away from the molten film tube,preventing hang-up inducing drag. The angled in air foil exit tips actto compress the cooling gas stream, providing a cushioning effect thatdampen vibrations and flutter in the molten film tube, and eliminateexcessive sound power levels. Additionally, the angled in air foil exittips act similar to a venturi, to accelerate the cooling gas streamsflowing along the molten film tube to a higher velocity where thecooling gas streams emerge from the influence of associated coolingmembers at the air foil exit tips and flow along the molten film tube.This higher velocity cooling gas flow translates into higher coolingefficiency and throughput.

Further, one or more compound angles are preferentially employed alongthe air foil surfaces. Larger surface angles (up to about 45 degreesfrom parallel to the molten film surface) provide greater compression ofthe cooling gas, which desirably improves cooling efficiency, butunfortunately, also can cause an undesirable reduction in holding force.Use of compound angles wraps the cooling gas flow smoothly aroundcooling element air foil surfaces, which are advantageously arranged tochange from a larger to a smaller angle relative to the molten filmtube, in the direction of cooling gas flow, prior reaching the air foilexit tips. This approach allows larger initial cooling member air foilsurface angles which act to aggressively compress the cooling gasstreams for maximum cooling efficiency, followed by smaller surfaceangles, just prior and up to the air foil exit tips, which act toaccelerate the cooling gas streams, restoring holding force to amaximum. Divergent cooling elements with compound angles in the coolingmember air flow surfaces, exhibit very high cooling efficiency, maximumholding force, and excellent stability, without vibration, flutter orhigh sound power levels.

Advantageously, a simplified single air delivery channel is providedbetween first and second cooling members, feeding an inward radial flowof cooling gas arranged to impinge on an outer wall of a cooling gasdeflector, preventing direct cooling gas flow against the blown filmtube and separating the flow into oppositely directed first and secondannular cooling gas streams. The cooling gas deflector generallyarranged intermediate between the cooling members and the molten tubesuch that the inner wall of the cooling gas deflector is spaced furtherfrom the molten tube than the associated cooling member tips to preventdrag. Additional flows of cooling gas can be advantageously added, butare not required.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a single enclosure withflow buffer, surrounding a four (4) level Short Stack arrangementincorporating high performance cooling elements with one or morecompound angle cooling member air foil surfaces of 22.5 degrees,followed by 7.5 degree air foil exit tips. Embodiments further include aconventional Dual Flow cooling means placed on top of the stack, withthe normal Dual Flow lower flow of air replaced by the upper most flowof air from the stack. Stable operation of the embodiments of thisdisclosure can be achieved with a spaced apart dimension between coolingelements greater than 4 inches. Further, zero internal pressure withinthe molten film tube can be achieved, providing stable straight up (fromthe final cooling element) tube formation. Additionally, internal tubepressure can be increased yielding the full range of larger film sizesnormally able to be produced. Throughput rates can be increased inexcess of 65% over conventional Dual Flow cooling means.

FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a typical blown film extrusionprocess employing an enclosure 28 and short stack cooling systememploying divergent cooling elements of the present invention. In FIG.1-FIG. 6, all thin arrows indicating a direction are for illustrativepurposes only, labeled for example as AF, and indicate a direction flowof a fluid (e.g. cooling gas). Further, Thick arrows indicating adirection are for illustrative purposes only, labeled for example as MF,and indicate a direction flow of a plastic film material (e.g. moltenfilm tube). Thermoplastic resin is introduced through feed hopper 2 intoextruder 4 where the resin is melted, mixed and pressurized. Moltenresin is conveyed through melt pipe 6 into a die means 8 that forms itinto an annular molten flow that exits generally from the top surface ofdie means 8 as a molten film tube 12.

Internal gas supply conduit 10 operably provides an internalcooling/inflating gas through die means 8 to the interior of molten filmtube 12 and solidified film tube 16. Internal gas exhaust conduit 9operably removes internal cooling/inflating gas through die means 8 asrequired to maintain a desired trapped tube volume of gas inside moltenfilm tube 12 and solidified film tube 16, further contained by niprollers 20. Gas flow through Internal gas supply conduit 10 and Internalgas exhaust conduit 9 are controlled by methods commonly understood bythose skilled in the art. Molten film tube 12 expands outwardly aroundthe trapped tube volume of gas and is drawn upwardly by nip rollers 20while being cooled to solidify at freeze line 14 forming solidified filmtube 16. Solidified film tube 16 is collapsed by flattening guides 18before passing through nip rollers 20 forming flattened film 22.Flattened film 22 is then conveyed to downstream equipment forconversion into usable products as desired.

Annular cooling elements 23, 24 a-c, and 26 are arranged coaxial withand in the direction of flow of molten film tube 12. Cooling elements23, 24 a-c, and 26, each supplied with cooling gas from a suitableexternal source, direct associated cooling gas alongside molten filmtube 12, generally in the same and/or opposite direction to the flow ofmolten film tube 12, acting to stabilize and cool molten film tube 12.

Upward cooling gas traveling generally in the direction of flow ofmolten film tube 12 from cooling elements 23 and 24 a-b, and downwardcooling gas traveling generally opposite the direction of flow of moltenfilm tube 12 from cooling elements 24 a-c, flows directly into a cavityC around molten film tube 12. Cavity C is contained and isolated fromthe surrounding atmosphere by enclosure 28 with additional extentsformed by the portion of the cooling elements 23 and 24 a-c in contactwith cavity C (cooling element cavity portion), and the portion of themolten film tube 12 in contact with cavity C (molten film cavityportion). Cooling gas entering cavity C flows alongside and cools moltenfilm tube 12, and exhausts between cooling elements 23 and 24 a-c, andis collected for further processing by enclosure 28. Generally upwardlydirected cooling gas from cooling element 26 flows unrestricted, alongmolten film tube 12, directly influenced by the surrounding atmosphere,while cooling and allowing for free expansion of molten film tube 12.

Variable exhaust device 30, installed in a port passing throughenclosure 28, conveys gas from cavity C to the surrounding atmosphere.The choice of variable exhaust device 30 is important. If variableexhaust device 30 is too big or powerful, excessive cavity C pressurescould develop inside enclosure 28 sufficient to cause hang-ups of moltenfilm tube 12. Variable exhaust device 30 is preferably chosen to be of alow pressure, high flow design, sufficient to provide desired pressuresand flows. The pressure of cavity C relative to the surroundingatmosphere is adjusted by variable exhaust device 30 using a variablecontroller means 32, to create a predetermined pressure differentialacross the molten film cavity portion that maximizes the stability ofthe molten film cavity portion and the cooling efficiency of the coolingelement cavity portion, to provide higher throughput rate, and betterfilm quality.

Embodiments of enclosure 28 may include a flow buffer 34, minimallyincluding a passage through the wall of enclosure 28 fluidly connectingcavity C to the surrounding atmosphere. As gas flow through the variableexhaust device 30 is adjusted relative the cooling gas entering cavityC, the flow of gas through flow buffer 34 changes. The flow of gas flowbuffer 34 creates an associated pressure drop relative to surroundingatmospheric pressure, which establishes cavity C pressure and theassociated predetermined pressure differential across the molten filmcavity portion.

Selectively added freely swinging flapper 36 hangs by gravity generallyinside the passage of flow buffer 34. When cavity C pressure equalsatmospheric pressure, no gas flows through flow buffer 34, and theflapper hangs straight down creating a maximum obstruction in thepassage. As predetermined pressure differential adjustments are made,gas flows through flow buffer 34, causing a variable deflection offlapper 36 which variably obstructs flow buffer 34 in the direction theflow of gas through the passage. The position of flapper 36 provides aneasy to interpret, visual indication of direction and quantity of theflow of gas through flow buffer 34. Depending on the choice of variableexhaust device 30, the characteristics of optional flow buffer 34 caneasily be set by predetermining the weight and geometry of flapper 36and the passage geometry of flow buffer 34 to achieve very smooth, fastacting regulation of cavity C pressure, over the desired range ofpredetermined pressure differential across the molten film cavityportion, adjustable by variable controller means 32.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the inner portion of one half ofa divergent cooling element, of the present invention. Each divergentcooling element (FIG. 1, 24 a-c), is provided with an interior airplenum 38 of any suitable shape and size, that directs the associatedsupplied cooling gas to flow generally radially inward through annularchannel 40 formed between cooling members 42 and 44. Annular channel 40feeds cooling gas toward cooling gas deflector 46, inwardly supportedfrom cooling members 42 and/or 44 using common, readily availablefastening means such as screws and washers, not shown. Cooling gasdeflector 46 prevents direct cooling gas flow against molten film tube12 and separates cooling gas flow into oppositely directed cooling gasstreams 48 and 50. Cooling gas stream 48 flows generally opposite thedirection of the flow of molten film tube 12, between air foil surface52 and molten film tube 12. Cooling gas stream 50 flows generally in thesame direction of flow of molten film tube 12, between air foil surface54 and molten film tube 12.

Air foil surfaces 52 and 54 are annularly angled inward toward moltenfilm tube 12, in the direction of respective air flow just prior toterminating at air foil exit tips 56 and 58, where cooling gas streams48 and 50 leave the influence of air foil surfaces 52 and 54respectively and flow in cooling contact along the surface of moltenfilm tube 12. Compound angles are preferentially employed along air foilsurfaces 52 and 54 with larger angles relative to molten film tube 12located nearest to cooling gas deflector 46, and smaller angles locatedadjacent respective air foil exit tips 56 and 58. Importantly, noportion of the divergent cooling element having a divergent coolinginterface comprised of cooling gas deflector 46, air foil surfaces 52and 54, and air foil exit tips 56 and 58 is closer to the molten filmtube than either one or both of the air foil exit tips 56 and 58, toensure that no mechanical contact with molten film tube 12 can occur.

In FIG. 3, cooling gas deflector 46 is replaced by cooling gas deflector46 a located intermediate cooling members 42 and 44, forming a pair ofannular channels 40 a and 40 b. Cooling gas from interior air plenum 38generally flows radially inward, independently through annular channels40 a and 40 b, exiting the influence of cooling gas deflector 46 a asoppositely directed cooling gas streams 48 and 50, respectively. Coolinggas stream 48 flows generally opposite the direction of flow of moltenfilm tube 12, between air foil surface 52 and molten film tube 12.Cooling gas stream 50 flows generally in the same direction of flow ofmolten film tube 12, between air foil surface 54 and molten film tube12.

As described in FIG. 2, air foil surfaces 52 and 54 are annularly angledinward toward molten film tube 12, in the direction of respective airflow just prior to terminating at air foil exit tips 56 and 58, wherecooling gas streams 48 and 50 leave the influence of air foil surfaces52 and 54 respectively and flow in cooling contact along the surface ofmolten film tube 12. Compound angles are preferentially employed alongair foil surfaces 52 and 54 with larger angles relative to molten filmtube 12 located nearest to cooling gas deflector 46 a, and smallerangles located adjacent respective air foil exit tips 56 and 58.Importantly, no portion of the divergent cooling element having adivergent cooling interface comprised of cooling gas deflector 46 a, airfoil surfaces 52 and 54, and air foil exit tips 56 and 58 is closer tothe molten film tube than either one or both of the air foil exit tips56 and 58, to ensure that no mechanical contact with molten film tube 12can occur.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view of a blown film cooling system withhigh performance, divergent cooling elements and enclosure 28 of thepresent invention. Enclosure 28 as shown, includes an associatedvariable exhaust device 30, variable controller means 32, and flowbuffer 34 with freely swinging flapper 36 as previously described.Cooling gas supply conduits 60 are also added, spaced generally insideand around the perimeter of cooling elements 23, 24 a, 24 b and 24 c,forming a common supply of cooling gas. Cooling gas supply conduits 60also act to space apart and locate concentric to molten film tube 12each of the associated cooling elements 23, 24 a, 24 b and 24 c. Coolingelement 24 d is advantageously shown supplied with cooling gas in commonwith cooling element 26, forming a high performance triple flow airring. Cooling element 26 is depicted with one single-flow of coolinggas, but can include more than one flow of cooling gas, forming furtherhigh performance multiple-flow versions in combination with coolingelement 24 d of the present invention, exiting to flow unrestricted,generally upward and along molten film tube 12, directly influenced bythe surrounding atmosphere, while cooling and allowing for freeexpansion of molten film tube 12. Cooling element 26 may also beomitted, allowing cooling gas exiting from the upper most located highperformance, divergent cooling element to either be located below frostline 14 and allow for free expansion or be located above frost line 14and constrain the molten film tube 12.

FIG. 5 shows a magnified partial cross sectional view of enclosure 28with optional flow buffer 34 including flapper 36. Enclosure 28 isprovided with optional flow buffer 34 installed minimally as a passagethrough the wall of enclosure 28 and includes freely swinging flapper 36that hangs by gravity generally inside the passage of flow buffer 34 andswings freely about pivot 37. Air is allowed to pass in either directionthrough flow buffer 34, between the internal portion of enclosure 28(cavity C) and the surrounding atmosphere, creating an associatedpressure differential across flow buffer 34. As air flows in eitherdirection through flow buffer 34, freely swinging flapper 36 rotatesabout pivot 37 to move under the influence of gravity, in the directionof air flow or to hang straight down under a no flow condition forming aflow dependent variable cross section within flow buffer 34 formedbetween the passage extents and flapper 36. Pressure regulatingcharacteristics of flow buffer 34 can easily be set by adjustingassociated passage geometry and the geometry and weight of freelyswinging flapper 36 to achieve very smooth, fast acting pressureregulation of cavity C, contained inside enclosure 28.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a typical blown film extrusionprocess with a stacked cooling system employing multiple enclosures 28of the present invention. Each enclosure 28, is adjusted by anassociated variable controller means 32 acting on associated variableexhaust device 30, and associated optional flow buffer 34 withassociated and further optional freely swinging flapper 36, each actingindependently on one or more associated cooling element(s) as previouslydescribed. The area between cooling elements 23 and 24 a is depictedwithout an associated enclosure 28, forming an uncontrolled areadirectly influenced by the surrounding atmosphere, but alternately canbe configured with an associated enclosure 28, either directly, orgrouped with other cooling elements. Any number of enclosures 28 anduncontrolled areas can be employed in any order, each incorporating anynumber of cooling elements as divergent cooling elements 24 a-e asshown, or other forms of cooling elements, without limit. Additionally,the number of cooling elements present in the stack is not limited andcan be as many or as few as desired.

The short stack cooling system depicted, preferentially includes highperformance, divergent cooling elements previously described. Coolinggas supply conduits 60, shown in FIG. 4, can advantageously be employedas desired to form a common supply of cooling gas, to space apart andlocate concentric to molten film tube 12 each of the associated coolingelements 23, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d and 24 e.

One additional cooling element 24 e is depicted within the coolingstack, arranged as the final cooling element in the stacked blown filmcooling system. If frost line 14 is disposed to be above cooling element24 e, upward flowing cooling gas from cooling element 24 e flows alongand allows for free expansion of molten tube 12. Alternatively, if frostline 14 is disposed to be within or below cooling element 24 e, upwardflowing cooling gas from cooling element 24 e flows along the nowsolidified film tube 16 preventing free expansion, and constraining themolten film tube 12 within the cooling system.

The present invention is presented on an upward blown film extrusionprocess, but equally applies to horizontal or downward versions of theblown film extrusion process, without limit.

Referring to FIG. 7, presented is a logic flow diagram in accordancewith a method and apparatus for performing exemplary embodiments of thisdisclosure. Block 702 presents providing a flow of a molten film tubefrom a blown film die; and cooling the flow of the molten film tube byat least one cooling element, the at least one cooling elementcomprising a divergent cooling element having a divergent coolinginterface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposingthe flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and (ii) in apath with the flow of the molten film tube toward a second exit gap,wherein at least a portion of the expelled cooling gas is received by atleast one enclosure comprising a cavity operable to maintain apredetermined pressure differential between an inside surface and anoutside surface of the flow of the molten film tube. Then Block 704relates to wherein at least one of the first exit gap and the secondexit gap defines a minimum gap between the divergent cooling interfaceand the flow of the molten film tube.

Block 706 then states wherein the at least one divergent coolinginterface comprises a cooling gas deflector for directing expelledcooling gas along the path opposing the flow of the molten film tube andalong the path with the flow of the molten film tube. Block 708indicates wherein the at least one cooling element is stackable. Block710 specifies wherein the predetermined pressure differential maintainsa stability of the flow of the molten film tube and a cooling efficiencyof the at least one cooling element. Block 712 states wherein the atleast one enclosure comprises a port maintaining a variable exhaustdevice for expelling a portion of the cooling gas from the cavitythrough the port to a surrounding atmosphere to maintain thepredetermined pressure differential.

Then block 714 relates to wherein the at least one enclosure comprises aflow buffer comprising a passage into the cavity, the passage fluidlyconnecting the cavity to the surrounding atmosphere allowing a flow ofgas into and out of the cavity. Block 716 then states wherein the atleast one flow buffer comprises a moveable flapper operable to (i)variably obstruct a flow of gas through the passage and (ii) indicate adirection and quantity of the flow of gas through the passage. Finally,block 718 states wherein the expelled cooling gas from the at least onedivergent cooling element sufficiently cools the molten film tube at arate between 0.5 and 5 (pounds/hour)/(inch of die circumference).

The logic flow diagram may be considered to illustrate the operation ofa method. The logic flow diagram may also be considered a specificmanner in which components of a device are configured to cause thatdevice to operate, whether such a device is a blown film tubularextrusion device, controlled pressure enclosure, or divergent coolingelement, or one or more components thereof.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at leasta first cooling element and a second cooling element (e.g., as set forthin FIGS. 1-4, 8, and 9). The first and the second cooling elements arestacked coaxially adjacent and spaced apart from one another such that afirst flow of cooling gas emanates from the first cooling element in apath with the flow of the molten film tube. A second flow of cooling gasemanates from the second cooling element in a path opposite the flow ofthe molten film tube, such that the two flows of cooling gas aredirected to flow against one another, between the first and secondcooling elements along the surface of the molten film tube. Thisembodiment includes one or more stabilizer ring(s) associated with eachof the first and second flows of cooling gas. Each stabilizer ring isstacked coaxially adjacent and spaced apart from the cooling elementssuch that at least a portion of the flow of cooling gas from each of thecooling elements flows between the associated stabilizer ring and themolten film tube. The surface of each stabilizer ring facing the moltenfilm tube can be planar, curved, convex, or concave. The surface of eachstabilizer ring facing the molten film tube can also be eitherconverging toward the molten film tube in the direction of flow ofcooling gas (shown in FIG. 8 on stabilizer ring 59 and stabilizer ring57), or diverging away from the molten film tube. Embodiments providethat adjacent cooling element and stabilizer ring(s) are not in contactwith one another, thereby allowing cooling gas to flow around thesurfaces of each stabilizer ring. In other words, gaps are formedbetween adjacent cooling element and stabilizer rings to allow coolinggas to flow as required to relieve unbalanced and/or unstable forcesacting on the molten film tube. This alternative embodiment providesimproved output rate of blown molten film tube, improved film holdingforces to maintain the stability of the molten film tube, andeasier/wider range of adjustment to optimize performance of molten filmoutput rates, without the presence of high noise levels or detrimentalvibration of the molten film tube, flutter of the molten film tube, anddrag. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide thatincreased spacing is allowed between cooling elements resulting fewercooling elements to obtain similar output rates.

Referring to FIG. 8, shown is a close-up cross sectional view of theinner portion of one half of a pair of cooling elements 23 and 24 a (asshown and described in FIGS. 1-6) operable to expel cooling gas fromeach cooling element directed to flow against one another.Alternatively, pairs of cooling elements can equally be cooling elements24 a and 24 b, 24 b and 24 c, 24 c and 24 d, or 24 d and 24 e. In FIG. 8and FIG. 9 (as in FIG. 1-FIG. 6), all thin arrows indicating a directionare for illustrative purposes only, labeled for example as AF, andindicate a direction of flow of a fluid (e.g. cooling gas). Further,Thick arrows indicating a direction are for illustrative purposes only,labeled for example as MF, and indicate a direction of flow of a plasticfilm material (e.g. molten film tube). Cooling gas stream 50 flows in apath with the flow of the molten film tube and cooling gas stream 48flows in a path opposite the flow of the molten film tube. Usingcommonly available spacers and fasteners such as screws and washers,stabilizer ring 57 is spaced apart from the cooling element top surface45 to allow cooling gas communication around the surfaces of stabilizerring 57, and positioned to allow at least a portion of cooling gasstream 50 to flow between stabilizer ring 57 and molten film tube 12.Similarly held in position, stabilizer ring 59 is spaced apart from thecooling element bottom surface 43 to allow cooling gas communicationaround the surfaces of stabilizer ring 59, and positioned to allow atleast a portion of cooling gas stream 48 to flow between stabilizer ring59 and molten film tube 12. Stabilizer rings 57 and 59 are also spacedapart from one another defining a gap or space allowing for a flow ofcooling gas between stabilizer rings 57 and 59. Stabilizer rings 57 and59 are shown in FIG. 8 as generally planar and angled to direct a flowof cooling gas from for example cooling elements 23 and 24 a,respectively, to converge toward the molten film tube 12 in thedirection of flow of the associated cooling gas. It should beappreciated that embodiments of stabilizer rings 57 and 59 include amolten film facing surface that is angled away from (or divergent from)the molten film tube. Embodiments of the stabilizer rings 57 and 59 alsoinclude convex or concave molten film tube 12 facing surfaces. It shouldbe appreciated that while stabilizer rings 57 and 59 have been describedas separate elements, embodiments include instances wherein stabilizerring 57 and stabilizer ring 59 are coupled to one another provided thatthere are still spaces or gaps there between to allow a flow of coolinggas (i) between stabilizer rings 57, 59 and molten film tube 12, and(ii) between stabilizer ring 57 and stabilizer ring 59.

Optionally, additional stabilizer rings 57 a and 59 a can be addedspaced apart from stabilizer rings 57 and 59, respectively. Stabilizerrings 57 a and 59 a are shown in FIG. 8 with convex flow surfaces (i.e.,molten film facing surfaces), however, embodiments of stabilizer rings57 a and 59 a also include molten film tube 12 facing surfaces that areangled to converge or diverge toward the molten film tube 12 in thedirection of flow of the associated cooling gas, or have concave flowsurfaces. It should be understood that any number of stabilizer ringscan be added between adjacent cooling elements to achieve the desiredperformance, provided a gap is formed between adjacent stabilizer rings.Cooling gas flows either toward the molten film tube or away from themolten film tube 12 through the gaps formed between adjacent coolingelement top surface 45, cooling element bottom surface 43, stabilizerrings 57 and 59, and optional stabilizer rings 57 a and 59 a, to flow ineither direction as required to relieve any unbalanced and/or unstableforces acting on molten film tube 12. A remaining portion of cooling gasstream 50 collides with a remaining portion of cooling gas stream 48between stabilizer rings 57 and 59 (or optional stabilizer rings 57 aand 59 a, or further optionally added stabilizer rings) and exhaustsoutward between associated cooling elements and/or stabilizing rings.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a typical blown film extrusionprocess employing an enclosure 28 and short stack cooling systememploying divergent cooling elements similar to FIG. 4 but withstabilizer rings of the present embodiment. Unlike FIG. 4, variableexhaust device 30 is shown in a simplified arrangement without optionalflow buffer 34 and associated flapper 35, and an additional cooling gassupply conduit 60 separately provides for cooling gas flow to coolingelement 24 d, but otherwise remains in contact with cooling element 26.Individual stabilizer rings 57 and 59 are located between coolingelements 23 and 24 a, between cooling elements 24 a and 24 b, betweencooling elements 24 b and 24 c, and between cooling elements 24 c and 24d. Optional stabilizer rings 57 a and 59 a are not shown, but can beadded as desired to enhance system performance relative to stabilizerrings 57 and 59 as shown in FIG. 8. While FIG. 9 depicts the presence ofenclosure 28, variable exhaust device 30, and variable controller means32, embodiments include the absence of these elements provided thatstabilizer rings 57 and 59 (and optional stabilizer rings 57 a and 59 a,if added) are present in the system.

Referring to FIG. 10, presented is an exemplary logic flow diagram inaccordance with an alternative method and apparatus for performingexemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Block 1002 presents providinga flow of a molten film tube from a blown film die; (b) cooling the flowof the molten film tube by a first cooling element and a spaced apartsecond cooling element, the first cooling element and the second coolingelement each comprising a divergent cooling element having a divergentcooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas (i) in a pathopposing the flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and(ii) in a path with the flow of the molten film tube toward a secondexit gap; and (c) receiving the flow of the molten film tube by a firststabilizer ring and a second stabilizer ring, the first stabilizer ringand the second stabilizer ring each operably stacked between the firstcooling element and the second cooling element. Block 1004 relates towherein the first stabilizer ring and the second stabilizer ring areeach sufficiently spaced from the molten film tube to allow a flow ofexpelled cooling gas between the first and the second stabilizing ringsand the molten film tube.

Following block 1004, block 1006 states wherein the first stabilizerring is spaced from the first cooling element to allow a flow ofexpelled cooling gas between the first cooling element and the firststabilizer ring, and wherein the second stabilizer ring is spaced fromthe second cooling element to allow a flow of expelled cooling gasbetween the second cooling element and the second stabilizer ring. Thenblock 1008 indicates the method further comprising receiving the flow ofmolten film tube by a spaced apart third stabilizer ring and a spacedapart fourth stabilizer ring, each operably stacked between the firstand the second cooling elements. Finally, block 1010 further stateswherein the first stabilizer ring, the second stabilizer ring, the thirdstabilizer ring, the fourth stabilizer ring, the first cooling element,and the second cooling element are each spaced from one another to allowa flow of expelled cooling gas there between.

The logic flow diagram shown in FIG. 10 may be considered to illustratethe operation of a method. The logic flow diagram may also be considereda specific manner in which components of a device are configured tocause that device to operate, whether such a device is a blown filmtubular extrusion device, controlled pressure enclosure, orunidirectional cooling element, or one or more components thereof.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of a blown film extrusion processemploying a short stack cooling system with cooling element 26 stackedabove cooling element 24 a. Also shown is cooling element 24 a stackedabove and spaced apart from cooling element 23. Cooling element 23 isadjacent die means 8, and similar to FIG. 9, stabilizer rings 57 and 59are located between cooling elements 23 and 24 a. In FIG. 11-FIG. 13 (asin FIG. 1-FIG. 10), all thin arrows indicating a direction are forillustrative purposes only, labeled for example as AF, and indicate adirection of flow of a fluid (e.g. cooling gas). Further, Thick arrowsindicating a direction are for illustrative purposes only, labeled forexample as MF, and indicate a direction of flow of a plastic filmmaterial (e.g. molten film tube). Cooling gas supply conduit 60optionally provides cooling gas to cooling elements 23 and 24 a from acommon source, and cooling element 26 is provided with a separate sourceof cooling gas. Alternately, cooling elements 23, 24 a and 26 can besupplied with cooling gas flow from a single source or supplied in anycombination including from individual sources of cooling gas. Further,cooling element 26 is optionally shown as single flow air ring having anair ring cooling interface 64 of a dual flow air ring with the firstannular gap removed. However, it should be appreciated that coolingelement 26 can be any of a single flow, dual flow, triple flow, andmultiple flow air ring. Additionally, enclosure 28, variable exhaustdevice 30, and variable controller means 32 (collectively shown in FIGS.1, 4, and 6) may optionally be employed with this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, shown is a close-up cross sectional view of onehalf of the apparatus described in FIG. 11. Cooling element 23 is aunidirectional cooling element having a unidirectional cooling interfacecomprised of cooling gas deflector 46 u, air foil surface 54 u, and airfoil exit tip 58 u, and further containing an interior air plenum 38 uof any suitable shape and size, that directs the associated suppliedcooling gas toward the unidirectional cooling interface to flowgenerally radially inward through annular channel 40 u formed betweencooling members 42 u and 44 u. Cooling gas deflector 46 u is formed inone embodiment as an extension of cooling member 42 u. Cooling gasdeflector 46 u prevents a flow of cooling gas from contacting moltenfilm tube 12 at substantially perpendicular angles, but rather directscooling gas stream 50 u to flow generally in the same direction of flowof molten film tube 12, between the unidirectional cooling interface andmolten film tube 12. Cooling gas deflector 46 u as depicted, isrectangular shaped, however, it should be appreciated that embodimentsof cooling gas deflector 46 u includes any shape (e.g., triangular orcurved) that operably redirects cooling gas toward air foil surface 54 uin the path of the flow of molten film tube 12.

Air foil surface 54 u is annularly angled inward toward molten film tube12, in the direction of cooling gas flow just prior to terminating atair foil exit tip 58 u, where the cooling gas stream 50 u leaves theinfluence of air foil surface 54 u and continues to flow in coolingcontact along the surface of molten film tube 12. As shown in FIG. 2 andFIG. 3, compound angles are employed along air foil surface 54 u withlarger angles relative to molten film tube 12 located nearest to coolinggas deflector 46 u, and smaller angles located adjacent respective airfoil exit tip 58 u. It should be appreciated that embodiments of airfoil surface 54 u need not include compound angles, but can include anangled or curved surface relative to molten film tube 12 provided that aminimum gap between air foil surface 54 u and the surface of molten filmtube 12 is located at air foil exit tip 58 u. No portion of coolingelement 23 having a unidirectional cooling interface comprised ofcooling gas deflector 46 u, air foil surface 54 u, and air foil exit tip58 u is closer to the molten film tube than air foil exit tip 58 u. Toensure that no mechanical contact with molten film tube 12 can occur, itis important to arrange all portions of cooling gas deflector 46 u,radially spaced outwardly from the exit point of die means 8, where theannular molten flow exiting die means 8 forms molten film tube 12.Cooling element 23 is typically located directly adjacent to die means8, substantially preventing air exchange with surrounding atmospherebetween die means 8. Cooling element 23's position relative to die means8 in combination with the flow of cooling gas exiting from the annularchannel 40 u to the unidirectional cooling interface of cooling element23 enables vacuum forces to operably act on the flow of the molten filmtube 12 urging the flow of the molten film tube 12 into close proximitywith air foil exit tip 58 u. In some embodiments the proximity distancebetween the flow of the molten film tube 12 and air foil exit tip 58 uis less than about ¼ inch. As depicted in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, coolingelement 24 a is a divergent cooling element which operates as describedabove in reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Stabilizer rings 57, 59, 57 aand 59 a, located intermediate cooling element 23 and 24 a, operate asdescribed in reference to FIG. 8 above.

Cooling element 26 operates as described in reference to FIG. 4 above,and is one of a single flow, dual flow, triple flow, and multiple flowair ring with an air ring cooling interface 64 having an associatedsingle flow, dual flow, triple flow, and multiple flow air foilrespectively, operable to provide one or more flows of cooling gas inthe path with the direction of the flow of the molten film tube 12. Asshown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, cooling element 26 is a dual flow air ringwith the first (or bottom) annular gap removed. Cooling element 26 isoperable to expel cooling gas through annular channel 66 generallyupward and in the path of the flow of molten film tube 12. The expelledcooling gas from cooling element 26 is generally allowed to flow and bedirectly influenced by the surrounding atmosphere after being expelled.After receiving cooling gas from cooling element 26, molten film tube 12is allowed to freely expand above cooling element 26. Cooling element 26expels cooling gas through annular channel 66, and is depicted with anair ring cooling interface 64 in the form of a dual flow air ring withthe first annular gap removed, wherein the removed first annular gap isreplaced by cooling element 24 a. As illustrated in FIG. 12, coolingelement 24 a is in contact with cooling element 26 such that a flow ofcooling gas between cooling element 24 a and cooling element 26 issubstantially prevented. In another embodiment, cooling element 24 a canbe spaced from cooling element 26 such that expelled cooling gas canpass therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 13, shown is a close-up cross sectional view of onehalf of the apparatus described in FIG. 11 with operation similar toFIG. 12, wherein stabilizer ring 67 is added adjacent to cooling element24 a in the direction of flow of the molten film tube 12 operable tostabilize the flow of the molten film tube 12 as the flow of the moltenfilm tube enters cooling element 26. One or more additional stabilizerring(s) 67 a may be optionally added to further stabilize the flow ofthe molten film tube 12 as the flow of the molten film tube 12 entersair ring cooling interface 64. Embodiments of stabilizer rings 67 and 67a are spaced from air ring cooling interface 64 such that expelledcooling gas is allowed to flow between (1) stabilizer rings 67, 67 a andthe flow of molten film tube 12, and (2) between stabilizer rings 67, 67a and air ring cooling interface 64. It should also be appreciated thatstabilizer ring 67 is spaced from a top of cooling element 24 a therebyallowing a flow of expelled cooling gas between the top of coolingelement 24 a and stabilizer ring 67. It should further be appreciatedthat an enclosure 28, variable exhaust device 30, and variablecontroller means 32 (shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9) may be employedwith the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-13. Embodiments of the presentinvention allow any number of divergent cooling elements 24 andstabilizer rings 57, 59, 57 a and 59 a to be added betweenunidirectional cooling element 23 and divergent cooling element 24 a.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail withparticular reference to particular embodiments, but it will beunderstood that variations and modifications can be effected within thespirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodimentsare therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

1. An apparatus for cooling, the apparatus comprising: (a) a blown filmdie operable for producing a flow of a molten film tube; (b) aunidirectional cooling element for receiving the flow of the molten filmtube, the unidirectional cooling element having a unidirectional coolinginterface operable for expelling a cooling gas in a path with the flowof the molten film tube toward a first exit gap; (c) a divergent coolingelement for receiving the flow of the molten film tube operably stackedadjacent the unidirectional cooling element, the divergent coolingelement having a divergent cooling interface operable for expelling acooling gas (i) in a path opposing the flow of the molten film tubetoward a second exit gap and (ii) in a path with the flow of the moltenfilm tube toward a third exit gap.
 2. The apparatus according to claim1, the apparatus further comprising a first stabilizer ring operablystacked adjacent the unidirectional cooling element between theunidirectional cooling element and the divergent cooling element, and asecond stabilizer ring operably stacked adjacent the divergent coolingelement between the first stabilizer ring and the divergent coolingelement.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the firststabilizer ring and the second stabilizer ring is sufficiently spacedfrom the molten film tube to allow a flow of expelled cooling gasbetween the first and the second stabilizer rings and the molten filmtube.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the firststabilizer ring is spaced from the unidirectional cooling element andthe second stabilizer ring is spaced from the divergent cooling elementto allow a flow of expelled cooling gas between (i) the unidirectionalcooling element and the first stabilizer ring, and (ii) the divergentcooling element and the second stabilizer ring.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 2, the apparatus further comprising a spaced apartthird stabilizer ring and a spaced apart fourth stabilizer ring, eachoperably stacked between the unidirectional and the divergent coolingelement.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the firststabilizer ring, the second stabilizer ring, the third stabilizer ring,the fourth stabilizer ring, the unidirectional cooling element, and thedivergent cooling element are each spaced from one another to allow aflow of expelled cooling gas there between.
 7. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the first exit gap defines a minimum gap between theunidirectional cooling interface and the flow of the molten film tube,and wherein the second and third exit gaps define a minimum gap betweenthe divergent cooling interface and the flow of the molten film tube. 8.The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising oneof a single flow air ring, a dual flow air ring, a triple flow air ring,and a multiple flow air ring having an air ring cooling interfaceadjacent the divergent cooling element, operable to expel cooling gas inthe path with the flow of the molten film tube.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the divergent cooling element is incontact with the one of a single flow air ring, a dual flow air ring, atriple flow air ring, and a multiple flow air ring, substantiallypreventing gas exchange with the surrounding atmosphere between thedivergent cooling element and the one of a single flow air ring, a dualflow air ring, a triple flow air ring, and a multiple flow air ring. 10.The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a space is defined betweenthe one of a single flow air ring, a dual flow air ring, a triple flowair ring, and a multiple flow air ring and the divergent cooling elementto allow gas exchange with a surrounding atmosphere.
 11. The apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the single flow air ring is a dual flowair ring with a first annual gap removed.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 8, the apparatus further comprising at least one stabilizer ringstacked adjacent to the divergent cooling element between the air ringcooling interface and the flow of the molten film tube, the at least onestabilizer ring operable to stabilize the flow of the molten film tubeas the flow of the molten film tube enters the air ring coolinginterface, wherein the at least one stabilizer ring is operably spacedfrom the air ring cooling interface allowing at least a portion of theexpelled cooling gas to flow there between.
 13. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, the apparatus further comprising at least one additionaldivergent cooling element stacked intermediate the unidirectionalcooling element and the divergent cooling element coaxial with the flowof the molten film tube.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, theapparatus further comprising at least two stabilizer rings intermediateadjacent cooling elements, the at least two stabilizer rings operable tostabilize the flow of the molten film tube between the adjacent coolingelements.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus furthercomprising at least one enclosure comprising a cavity for receiving atleast a portion of the expelled cooling gas, the at least one enclosureoperable to maintain a predetermined pressure differential between aninside surface and outside surface of the flow of the molten film tube,wherein the unidirectional cooling element and the divergent coolingelement are maintained within the cavity.
 16. A method for cooling, themethod comprising: (a) providing a flow of a molten film tube from ablown film die; (b) cooling the flow of the molten film tube by aunidirectional cooling element and a spaced apart divergent coolingelement, the unidirectional cooling element having a unidirectionalcooling interface operable for expelling a cooling gas in a path withthe flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap, the divergentcooling element having a divergent cooling interface operable forexpelling a cooling gas (i) in a path opposing the flow of the moltenfilm tube toward a second exit gap and (ii) in a path with the flow ofthe molten film tube toward a third exit gap.
 17. The method accordingto claim 16, the method further comprising receiving the flow of themolten film tube by a first stabilizer ring and a second stabilizerring, the first stabilizer ring and the second stabilizer ring eachoperably stacked between the unidirectional cooling element and thedivergent cooling element, wherein the first stabilizer ring and thesecond stabilizer ring are each sufficiently spaced from the molten filmtube to allow a flow of expelled cooling gas between the first and thesecond stabilizing rings and the molten film tube.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the first stabilizer ring is spaced fromthe unidirectional cooling element to allow a flow of expelled coolinggas between the unidirectional cooling element and the first stabilizerring, and wherein the second stabilizer ring is spaced from thedivergent cooling element to allow a flow of expelled cooling gasbetween the divergent cooling element and the second stabilizer ring.19. The method according to claim 17, the method further comprisingreceiving the flow of molten film tube by a spaced apart thirdstabilizer ring and a spaced apart fourth stabilizer ring, each operablystacked between the unidirectional and the divergent cooling elements.20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first stabilizer ring,the second stabilizer ring, the third stabilizer ring, the fourthstabilizer ring, the unidirectional cooling element, and the divergentcooling element are each spaced from one another to allow a flow ofexpelled cooling gas there between.
 21. The method according to claim16, the method further comprising cooling the flow of the molten filmtube by a single flow air ring having an air ring cooling interfaceoperable to expel cooling gas in the path with the flow of the moltenfilm tube.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the single flowair ring is a dual flow air ring with a first annular gap removed. 23.The method according to claim 16, the method further comprisingreceiving at least a portion of the expelled cooling gas by at least oneenclosure comprising a cavity for receiving expelled cooling gas, the atleast one enclosure operable to maintain a predetermined pressuredifferential between an inside surface and outside surface of the flowof the molten film tube, wherein at least one of the unidirectionalcooling element and the divergent cooling element are maintained withinthe cavity.